New team emerges as potential Donovan Mitchell suitor

Donovan Mitchell has another year remaining on his five-year $163 million deal. However, his future with the Cleveland Cavaliers remains a hot topic. The talented All-Star is widely expected to leave Cleveland once his contract expires, incentivizing the team to trade him to avoid losing a core asset for nothing. The New York Knicks continue to be viewed as the most logical landing spot for Mitchell.

According to Matt Moore of the Action Network, the Brooklyn Nets could also emerge as a potential landing spot for the 27-year-old guard. Mitchell is a New York native and has expressed his desire to play in the city during his career. As such, Brooklyn is a franchise that could make sense for the Cavaliers star.

"Everyone expects, and has expected, Donovan Mitchell to leave the Cavs in free agency," Moore reported. "There's conflicting belief about whether or not Mitchell has informed the Cavs of anything regarding his future. ESPN's Brian Windhorst has reported for months going on years that Mitchell will not re-sign with Cleveland. One name I heard from multiple sources to look out for if the Knicks can't get a deal done for Mitchell is the always-star-shopping Brooklyn Nets, who have a plethora of assets to get such a deal done."

Mitchell's reputation as an elite scoring guard who can take over in the clutch will ensure he has no shortage of suitors when he becomes available. His current averages of 27.4 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 5.1 assists on 45.2% shooting from the field and 34.9% from the three-point range are the type of numbers that will have swarms of teams circling. 

His personal ties to New York make both the Knicks and Nets enticing landing spots. Still, with another full season left on his deal, Mitchell could yet be enticed to remain with Cleveland. Since joining the franchise, the Cavaliers have looked like a team that could develop into a contender.

Mitchell's future is far from clear. It shouldn't come as a surprise that a star player has interested suitors, either. However, if the Nets do intend to throw their hat into the ring, it could spur the Knicks to put together a trade package so they don't miss out on their primary target for a second time.